Willie Dickerson’s reminders of our civic privilege and responsibility is right on (“Speak up to those who represent you,” Dec. 21). Members of Congress need lots of reminders that Americans are reeling from destructive policies passed in 2025 and that they have the power to do something about it. It’s easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed, but we cannot let our leaders off the hook. Our phone calls, handwritten letters, letters to the editor, protests and personal meetings are needed even more than they were in 2025.
Congress has until Jan. 30 to pass a long-overdue FY26 budget. Keep pressuring them to stop cuts to SNAP and Medicaid and re-invest in proven global health and education programs.
Above all, Congress must reassert its constitutional authority. Any FY26 agreement must include enforceable safeguards to ensure funds are spent as Congress intends.
When Sens. Lee and Curtis and the rest of Congress return to Washington, D.C., after holiday resting and feasting, they should deliver a budget that serves people, not billionaires.
Cynthia Changyit Levin
St. Louis, MO
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